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Commanders Plan Jayden Daniels To Start After Marcus Mariota Sprains MCL

Dan Quinn says Daniels will take all practice reps this week to prove he can play, a decision that forces the club to balance short-term need with long‑term health management.

Overview

  • The Commanders lost 30-13 in London on Sunday and coach Dan Quinn confirmed Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained right MCL that will be monitored and has an unclear timetable for return.
  • Quinn said the team’s goal is for Jayden Daniels to have a full week of practice and be ready to start Washington’s Week 5 home game against the New York Giants if he shows he can handle reps.
  • Daniels avoided surgery after dislocating his non‑throwing left elbow in Week 2 and will wear a bulkier protective brace designed to keep the joint slightly bent to reduce re‑dislocation risk.
  • Seventh‑round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis made his first NFL appearance when Mariota exited, completing 15 of 33 passes for 186 yards with a 47‑yard touchdown and an interception.
  • With backup depth thin and the trade deadline approaching, the club is weighing adding a veteran quarterback if Mariota’s recovery is prolonged while also coping with other injuries including receiver Jaylin Lane’s season‑ending ankle fracture.